A unique long weekend trip you’ve probably never thought of

Tiana Templeman Tiana Templeman
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Tiana Templeman recently stepped aboard Quantum of the Seas with her husband for a short cruise from Brisbane to Airlie Beach and inadvertently discovered the perfect long weekend away.

I’d never thought of cruising as something you could do on a weekend, but our recent cruise on Royal Caribbean Quantum of the Seas proved a Sampler Cruise isn’t just short, it’s also sweet. There was no need to take leave either, as the ship departed on a Friday afternoon, and had us back in time for work on Monday morning. I strolled off the ship and was back at my desk by 8.30am.

It was relaxing too as the biggest decision we had to make while we were at sea was where to eat dinner each night. And whether we wanted to hit new heights on the North Star, go skydiving at sea, or just sit on our balcony and watch the sunlight dancing across the ocean.

Here are seven reasons to pack your bag and spend a long weekend at sea like we did.

Budgeting is easy

If you’re like us and your love of weekend getaways is larger than your budget, a cruise could be just what you’re looking for. There’s a cabin to suit every budget, especially if you book early, and most dining and entertainment options are included in the cost of your fare. Top tip: Downloading the (free) onboard app will help you make the most of all those free restaurants, shows and activities.

a Surfing Flow Rider onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Ride through a simulated Surfing Flow Rider. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

Travelling as a family is child’s play

Keeping everyone happy can be hard work if you’re travelling with kids, but a mega-ship has enough facilities to ensure you all have fun. Adventurous activities like the iFly skydiving simulator, FlowRider surf simulator and bumper cars are a hit with kids (and adults) of all ages. There are also age-appropriate hang-out spaces and activities for children aged up to 17 if you feel like a break.

bumper cars onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Enjoy kid-friendly activities on Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

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The more, the merrier

If you’re planning a group getaway, it can be easier, cheaper and a lot more fun to go on a cruise instead of travelling to someone’s house. Whether you’re organising a hen’s or buck’s celebration or just want to get away with your besties, a weekend cruise can be a fun and affordable way to catch up. If you’re travelling with family, a cruise offers the perfect mix of time spent together and apart.

cruising The Whitsundays onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
For a fuss-free weekend away, it is time you consider a cruise. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

You’re a first-timer

If you’ve never been on a cruise before and aren’t sure whether this type of holiday is for you, a short weekend getaway can be a great way to test the waters before you book a longer trip. Regular cruisers tend to be a friendly bunch and love sharing their expertise, so don’t be afraid to ask questions. And if you love it? Booking another cruise while you’re onboard often comes with extra discounts and perks!

roller skating onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
The rollerskating rink has your name on it. (Image: Trevor Templeman)

It’s party time

Everyone is onboard for a good time, not a long time, on a weekend cruise. This means the mood is fun, the vibe is high, and the nights are long with people on the dance floor until the early hours of the morning. Whether you’re travelling as a group, with your partner or sailing solo, finding someone to party with is never a problem. And if you prefer to relax?  That’s just as easy to do.

people enjoying onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Party all day and night onboard Quantum of the Seas. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

No planning, no stress

On a shorter weekend cruise, there are no ports to tempt you to give up your much-needed downtime organising everyone to go ashore and planning (and paying for) activities. Sampler Cruise itineraries typically include sea days only, with plenty of fun and relaxation available onboard and no need to leave the ship. If you do want to explore ashore, opt for a slightly longer four-night sailing that includes a port day like the one we enjoyed at Airlie Beach.

Airlie Beach on a sunny day
Soak up the sun on Airlie Beach if you opt for a slightly longer cruise and make it a 4-night sailing.

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Cruising is inclusive

Enjoying a weekend away with friends or family members with special needs can require additional planning, but cruise lines make this easy. From sensory-friendly toys for families living with autism to accessible bathrooms on every floor and swimming pools with a lift, there’s plenty of assistance available on board and on shore if you fill out the cruise lines’ Guest Special Needs Form.

passengers enjoying the sunset on a paid North Star experience on a sea day
Capture incredible sunset views. (Image: Tiana Templeman)

It’s the ultimate holiday add-on

If you’re heading to Brisbane, Perth or Sydney on holiday, a weekend cruise from these popular capital city ports is a great way to wind down if you’ve been racing around sightseeing. Step onboard, find a sunlounger and enjoy a relaxing holiday from your holiday before you head back to work.

sunloungers by the pool onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Relax on a sun lounger.

Getting there is a breeze

As I discovered on our recent long weekend cruise from Brisbane, it was much quicker and easier getting to our local cruise port than battling the Friday afternoon traffic on the M1. Instead of arriving at our accommodation feeling stressed out, we were onboard the ship and sipping a cocktail 90 minutes after we left home. It’s hard to think of a more perfect start to a long weekend away!

a restaurant onboard RCI Quantum of the Seas
Dine and sip cocktails onboard. (Image: Jamies F)
For more cruising tips, reviews and inspiration, read our cruising travel guide.

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Tiana Templeman

Tiana Templeman

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8 ways to discover a new side of Port Stephens

    Kate Bettes Kate Bettes
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    Aussies might think they know what Port Stephens is all about – but it’s time to take another look.

    You might’ve driven through this NSW coast town. Maybe even stopped for fish and chips or a quick dip. But spend a long weekend in the new Port Stephens, and you’ll seriously regret not doing it sooner. We’re talking treks across beaches, reef dives and up-close time with rescued koalas.

    All in all? It only takes a day before you see Port Stephens in a whole new light, and not much longer until it’s locked in as your favourite family destination.

    1. Stockton Sand Dunes

    Port Stephens incredible Stockton Sand Dunes are the largest moving sand mass in the Southern Hemisphere. They shift like an endless magic trick across the Worimi Conservation Lands, a 4200-hectare coastal co-managed by the Traditional Owners.

    Tear over them in a 4WD. Rev through valleys soft as melting ice cream on a quad. Carve down 30-metre slopes on a sandboard. However you choose to cross them, you’re guaranteed a seriously wild ride.

    Four rugged 4WDs kick up trails of golden dust as they charge across the sweeping desert landscape.
    Chase thrills across shifting sands. (Image: Destination NSW)

    2. Scale Tomaree Head Summit Walk

    A short climb through bushland opens up to the coastal drama of Tomaree Head. Spot Zenith, Wreck and Box Beaches. See the Fingal Island lighthouse and offshore rookeries where Australia’s rarest seabird, the Gould’s petrel, nests.

    History buffs can’t miss the WWII gun emplacements. And if you’re hiking between May and November, bring binoculars. Travelling whales might just be breaching below.

    Friends enjoying a scenic walk along the Tomaree Head Summit Walk in Tomaree National Park, Port Stephens.
    Climb Tomaree Head for jaw-dropping coastal views. (Image: Destination NSW)

    3. Watch out for whales

    You’ve seen the spouts of migrating humpbacks and southern right whales from shore. Set sail from Nelson Bay to see them up close. Cruise straight into the action, with tail-slaps, barrel rolls and all.

    And they’ve got competition from the local show-offs. Port Stephens bottlenose dolphins leap and play. Some tours even spot pudgy fur seals, spending lazy days soaking up the sun on Cabbage Tree Island.

    A whale’s tail on the sea’s surface.
    Watch for ocean tails. (Image: Destination NSW)

    4. Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary

    Pop into the Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary to learn about the rescued koalas who climb, nap, snack and heal in this natural patch of bushland. Wander the immersive Sanctuary Story Walk to discover more about their habits, then head to the SKYwalk – a treetop platform constructed for spotting these eucalyptus-loving locals. Peek into the hospital’s viewing window, where sick or injured koalas may be resting in their recovery enclosures.

    Not enough time around these adorable marsupials? Stay overnight in silk-lined glamping tents.

    Koala sleeping in a tree at Port Stephens Koala Sanctuary, One Mile
    See koalas in their natural habitat. (Image: Destination NSW)

    5. Diving Port Stephens

    Port Stephens has some of NSW’s best dive spots. At Fly Point, float through sponge gardens and coral castles thick with nudibranchs (AKA sea slugs). Halifax Park has blue gropers and crimson-banded wrasse, while Shoal Bay’s seagrass meadows hide pipefish, cuttlefish and octopus.

    Accessible only by boat, Broughton Island is home to a vast array of marine (and bird) life. Snorkel with blue devilfish and stingrays at sites like The Looking Glass and North Rock. More experienced divers can head out with one of the many PADI-certified operators.

    At nearby Cabbage Tree Island, expect to see shaggy-faced wobbegongs cruising along.

    A couple suited up and ready to dive into adventure.
    Suit up and dive into Port Stephens’ vibrant marine life. (Image: Destination NSW)

    6. Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters

    Not quite ready to dive in? Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters is the perfect way to spot local marine life without getting too deep. But there’s no obnoxious glass tank tapping here. Instead, this interactive aquarium allows guests to wade into natural-style lagoons that mimic the real thing.

    Gently pat Port Jackson and bamboo sharks, hand-feed rays, and feel their sandpapery skin with your fingertips. It is all under expert guidance. If you want to go deeper, pop on a wetsuit and swim alongside tawny nurse sharks, white-tipped reef sharks and zebra sharks in the lagoon.

    Family enjoying an animal feeding experience at Irukandji Shark and Ray Encounters, Anna Bay.
    Meet the ocean’s friendliest faces at Irukandji. (Image: Destination NSW)

    7. Fish the estuaries

    Fishing fanatics will fall for Port Stephens hook, line and sinker. Here, one of the largest estuary systems in the whole state sees tidal rivers and mangrove ecosystems. Waterfronts are thick with oysters, and residential fish that might include anything from bream, whiting and flathead, to blue swimmer crabs, kingfish and longtail tuna.

    If you prefer to choose your own adventure and fish offshore, you can hire a boat from one of the marinas and set your own course.

    three men fishing on a boat in port stephens
    Join a tour or chart your own fishing trip. (Image: Destination NSW)

    8. Taste new Port Stephens flavours

    With plenty of activity to fill your days, refuelling on delectable cuisine becomes equally important. And Port Stephens answers the call.

    Pop into Holbert’s Oyster Farm for fresh-farmed Port Stephens rock oysters and Pacific oysters, Australian king and tiger prawns, as well as a variety of tasty sauces to try them with.

    Take a group to Atmos for an authentic Greek experience over large shared dishes and Greek-inspired cocktails. Or feast on sea-to-plate, modern Australian dishes at the pet-friendly Restaurant 2317.

    A plate of fresh oysters.
    Slurp your way through the region’s best oysters. (Image: Destination NSW)

    Start planning your Port Stephens getaway at portstephens.org.au.

    A Unique Long Weekend Cruise Trip - Australian Traveller